Topic Contents

Osteotomy and Paget's Disease

Topic Overview

Osteotomy ("bone cutting") is a procedure in which a surgeon removes
a wedge of bone near a damaged joint. This shifts weight from an area where
there is deformed or damaged bone to an area where there is more or healthier
bone. In
Paget's disease, bone tissue breakdown and rebuilding
frequently occurs in the long bones, such as the leg bones. This often results in a bowlegged
appearance.

Osteotomy may be effective for hip and knee joints. An osteotomy is
often done to correct
bowleg (varus) and knock-knee (valgus) deformities of
the knees. Hip osteotomy involves removing bone from the upper thighbone (femur).
Osteotomy may allow an active person to postpone a total joint replacement for
a few years and usually is reserved for younger people.

After an osteotomy, you may need physical therapy. It may
take up to one year for the joint to fully adjust to its corrected
position.

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